Article for assisting in toilet training

ABSTRACT

A toilet training article in the form of a toilet training pad containing an effervescent agent is disclosed. The toilet training pad, which may be an insertable pad or integrated directly into an undergarment, contains an effervescent agent which releases gas upon being contacted by urine. The effervescent agent may be in the form of a compound containing a substantially inert gas, or may be a combination of compounds that, upon being contacted by urine, produce a gas.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional patent application of patentapplication Ser. No. 09/696,747 filed on Oct. 25, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an article for assisting humans,particularly children, in toilet training. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to an article in the form of a pliable padcontaining an effervescent agent or material which when worn facilitatesthe toilet training process by providing a release of gas next to theskin of the wearer during and/or after urination occurs to alert orsignal the wearer.

[0003] Disposable absorbent training pants are useful in toilet trainingchildren. Typically, these undergarments are similar to washable, clothunderwear in how they are put on and worn, yet also provide an absorbentfunction like diapers to draw and retain urine away from the skin of thewearer. Training pants provide a child undergoing toilet training withan undergarment which eases the transition from diapers to washable,cloth underwear as they become more confident in their ability to usethe toilet independently.

[0004] In order to learn to use the toilet independently, a child mustfirst recognize when urination has occurred so that this bodily functionmay be controlled. This recognition can represent a substantial hurdlein the training process as urination may often occur during an activitythat distracts the child sufficiently so that the child does not noticeurination. Also, a child's ability to recognize when urination occursmay be hampered by the improved performance of disposable absorbentundergarments which quickly draw and retain urine away from the wearer'sskin after an insult occurs.

[0005] Many believe that a child must feel the sensation of wetness onthe skin after urination in order to facilitate awareness of this bodilyfunction and promote timely use of the toilet so as to avoid theuncomfortable feeling which otherwise follows. Although this belief isembraced by many, such practice may expose a child to increased risk ofskin irritations and rashes caused by prolonged and repeated contactwith urine.

[0006] Several attempts have been made at providing toilet training aidswhich alert a child that urination has occurred. For example, padsadapted for releasable attachment to the crotch and/or buttocks regionof a disposable toilet training pant, diaper or other undergarment andincluding a temperature change member and/or a dimensional change memberwhich provide a temperature change or dimensional change sensation whencontacted with urine to alert the child wearing the undergarment thaturination has occurred have been fabricated. Also absorbent articles aredisclosed that when first insulted, have a high initial surface moisturevalue or wet feel to alert the child that urination has occurred. Thisinitial wetness lasts only a short time after which the surface moisturevalue drops to a lower level resulting in a drier feeling to the childand increased comfort.

[0007] Although there has been substantial progress in toilet trainingaids, there continues to be a need for simple, effective articles thatalert children that urination has occurred.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention concerns a toilet training article whichalerts the wearer that urination has occurred. The toilet trainingarticle is in the form of a pad worn in conjunction with anundergarment. The pad may be made an integral part of the undergarment,or may be adapted for releasable or permanent attachment to theundergarment by a purchaser. The pad contains an effervescent agent orcombination of agents that alerts the wearer that urination has occurredby releasing gas and causing a mild concussive (i.e., “popping,”“crackling,” “bubbling” or “fizzing”) sensation on or next to thewearer's skin upon urination. This may be accomplished, if desired,without trapping moisture against the skin of the wearer. The presentinvention can be used in a variety of absorbent undergarments.

[0009] Briefly, therefore, the present invention is directed to a toilettraining article. The article comprises a three-dimensional toilettraining undergarment having an inner surface, a pad comprising apliable substrate, an effervescent agent encapsulated in a shellmaterial, and an attachment means for releasably attaching the pad tothe inner surface of the toilet training undergarment. The shellmaterial is capable of releasing the effervescent agent when wetted withurine. The effervescent agent comprises a matrix structure comprising asugar compound and having cells distributed therein which contain a gasunder pressure. The effervescent agent is disposed on the substrate insuch a manner such that when the pad is wetted with urine, the gas isreleased from the effervescent agent to alert the wearer of urination.The substrate has a body side face and an outside face, and the bodyside face faces the skin of the wearer when the article is worn.

[0010] The invention is further directed to a method for making a weareraware of having voided urine. The method comprises placing an articlenext to the skin of the wearer, the article being in the form of a padcomprising a pliable substrate and an effervescent agent encapsulated ina shell material. The shell material is capable of releasing theeffervescent agent when wetted with urine. The substrate has a body sideface and an outside face, and the body side face faces the skin of thewearer when the article is worn. The effervescent agent comprises amatrix structure comprising a sugar compound and having cellsdistributed therein which contain a gas under pressure. The effervescentagent is disposed in contact with the substrate in a manner such thatwhen the pad is wetted with urine voided by the wearer, the gas isreleased from the effervescent agent.

[0011] The invention is further directed to a toilet training article.The article comprises a three-dimensional toilet training undergarmenthaving an inner surface, a pad comprising a pliable substrate, aneffervescent agent encapsulated in a shell material, and an attachmentmeans for releasably attaching the pad to the inner surface of thetoilet training undergarment. The shell material is capable of releasingthe effervescent agent when wetted with urine. The effervescent agentcomprises a matrix structure comprising a salt compound and having cellsdistributed therein which contain a gas under pressure. The effervescentagent is disposed on the substrate in such a manner such that when thepad is wetted with urine, the gas is released from the effervescentagent to alert the wearer of urination. The substrate has a body sideface and an outside face, and the body side face faces the skin of thewearer when the article is worn.

[0012] The invention is further directed to a method for making a weareraware of having voided urine. The method comprises placing an articlenext to the skin of the wearer, the article being in the form of a padcomprising a pliable substrate and an effervescent agent encapsulated ina shell material. The shell material is capable of releasing theeffervescent agent when wetted with urine. The substrate has a body sideface and an outside face, and the body side face faces the skin of thewearer when the article is worn. The effervescent agent comprises amatrix structure comprising a salt compound and having cells distributedtherein which contain a gas under pressure. The effervescent agent isdisposed in contact with the substrate in a manner such that when thepad is wetted with urine voided by the wearer, the gas is released fromthe effervescent agent.

[0013] The invention is further directed to a toilet training article.The article comprises a three-dimensional toilet training undergarmenthaving an inner surface, a pad comprising a pliable substrate, aneffervescent agent encapsulated in a shell material, and an attachmentmeans for releasably attaching the pad to the inner surface of thetoilet training undergarment. The effervescent agent has a size of fromabout 5 micrometers to about 40 micrometers and comprises a matrixstructure comprising a sugar compound and having cells distributedtherein which contain a gas under pressure. The effervescent agent isdisposed on the substrate in such a manner such that when the pad iswetted with urine, the gas is released from the effervescent agent toalert the wearer of urination. The substrate has a body side face and anoutside face, and the body side face faces the skin of the wearer whenthe article is worn.

[0014] The invention is further directed to a method for making a weareraware of having voided urine. The method comprises placing an articlenext to the skin of the wearer, the article being in the form of a padcomprising a pliable substrate and an effervescent agent encapsulated ina shell material. The shell material is capable of releasing theeffervescent agent when wetted with urine. The substrate has a body sideface and an outside face, and the body side face faces the skin of thewearer when the article is worn. The effervescent agent has a size offrom about 5 micrometers to about 40 micrometers and comprises a matrixstructure comprising a sugar compound and having cells distributedtherein which contain a gas under pressure. The effervescent agent isdisposed in contact with the substrate in a manner such that when thepad is wetted with urine voided by the wearer, the gas is released fromthe effervescent agent.

[0015] The invention is further directed to a toilet training article.The article comprises a three-dimensional toilet training undergarmenthaving an inner surface, a pad comprising a pliable substrate, aneffervescent agent encapsulated in a shell material, and an attachmentmeans for releasably attaching the pad to the inner surface of thetoilet training undergarment. The effervescent agent has a size of fromabout 5 micrometers to about 40 micrometers and comprises a matrixstructure comprising a salt compound and having cells distributedtherein which contain a gas under pressure. The effervescent agent isdisposed on the substrate in such a manner such that when the pad iswetted with urine, the gas is released from the effervescent agent toalert the wearer of urination. The substrate has a body side face and anoutside face, and the body side face faces the skin of the wearer whenthe article is worn.

[0016] The invention is further directed to a method for making a weareraware of having voided urine. The method comprises placing an articlenext to the skin of the wearer, the article in the form of a padcomprising a pliable substrate and an effervescent agent encapsulated ina shell material. The shell material is capable of releasing theeffervescent agent when wetted with urine. The substrate has a body sideface and an outside face, and the body side face facing the skin of thewearer when the article is worn. The effervescent agent has a size offrom about 5 micrometers to about 40 micrometers and comprises a matrixstructure comprising a salt compound and having cells distributedtherein which contain a gas under pressure, the effervescent agent beingdisposed in contact with the substrate in a manner such that when thepad is wetted with urine voided by the wearer, the gas is released fromthe effervescent agent.

[0017] The invention is further directed to a toilet training article.The article comprises a three-dimensional toilet training undergarmenthaving an inner surface, a pad comprising a pliable substrate, aneffervescent agent disposed on the substrate, and an attachment meansfor releasably attaching the pad to the inner surface of the toilettraining undergarment. The effervescent agent comprises a mixture of anacid compound and a base compound that, upon being contacted with urine,react and produce a gas. The substrate has a body side face and anoutside face, and the body side face faces the skin of the wearer whenthe article is worn.

[0018] The invention further directed to a method of making a weareraware of having voided urine. The method comprises placing an articlenext to the skin of the wearer, the article in the form of a padcomprising a pliable substrate and an effervescent agent disposed incontact with the substrate. The substrate has a body side face and anoutside face, and the body side face faces the skin of the wearer whenthe article is worn. The effervescent agent comprises a mixture of anacid compound and a base compound that, upon being contacted with urine,react and produce a gas.

[0019] Other embodiments and features of this invention will be in partapparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pliable toilet training pad inaccordance with the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disposable toilet trainingarticle in accordance with the present invention, which includes apliable toilet training pad.

[0022] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DEFINITIONS

[0023] Within the context of this specification, each term or phrasebelow will include the following meaning or meanings:

[0024] (a) “Bonded” refers to the joining, adhering, connecting,attaching, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be consideredto be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another orindirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded tointermediate elements.

[0025] (b) “Disposable” refers to articles which are designed to bediscarded after a limited use rather than being laundered or otherwiserestored for reuse.

[0026] (c) “Film” refers to a thermoplastic film made using a filmextrusion and/or foaming process, such as a cast film or blown filmextrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films, andother porous films which constitute liquid transfer films, as well asfilms which do not transfer liquid.

[0027] (d) “Hydrophilic” describes fibers or the surfaces of fiberswhich are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. Thedegree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in termsof the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids andmaterials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring thewettability of particular fiber materials or blends of fiber materialscan be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System, or asubstantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibershaving contact angles less than 90 are designated “wettable” orhydrophilic, while fibers having contact angles greater than 90 aredesignated “nonwettable” or hydrophobic.

[0028] (e) “Integrated” is used to refer to various portions of a singleunitary element rather than separate structures bonded to or placed withor placed near one another.

[0029] (f) “Layer” when used in the singular can have the dual meaningof a single element or a plurality of elements.

[0030] (g) “Liquid impermeable,” when used in describing a layer ormulti-layer laminate means that a liquid, such as urine, will not passthrough the layer or laminate, under ordinary use conditions, in adirection generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminateat the point of liquid contact. Liquid, or urine, may spread or betransported parallel to the plane of the liquid impermeable layer orlaminate, but this is not considered to be within the meaning of “liquidimpermeable” when used herein.

[0031] (h) “Liquid permeable” refers to a material present in one ormore layers, such as a film, nonwoven fabric, or opencelled foam, whichis porous, and which is water permeable due to the flow of water andother aqueous liquids, such as urine, through the pores. The pores inthe film or foam, or spaces between fibers or filaments in a nonwovenweb, are large enough and frequent enough to permit leakage and flow ofliquid water through the material.

[0032] (i) “Meltblown” refers to fibers formed by extruding a moltenthermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular,die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging highvelocity heated gas (e.g., air) streams which attenuate the filaments ofmolten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which may be tomicrofiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by thehigh velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface toform a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process isdisclosed for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al.Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous ordiscontinuous, are generally smaller than about 0.6 denier, and aregenerally self bonding when deposited onto a collecting surface.Meltblown fibers used in the present invention are preferablysubstantially continuous in length.

[0033] (j) “Nonwoven” and “nonwoven web” refer to materials and webs ofmaterial which are formed without the aid of a textile weaving orknitting process.

[0034] (k) “Pliable” refers to materials which are compliant and whichwill readily conform to the general shape and contours of the wearer'sbody.

[0035] (l) “Polymers” include, but are not limited to, homopolymers,copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random and alternatingcopolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof.Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymer”shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the material.These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic,syndiotactic and atactic symmetries.

[0036] (m) “Spunbond” refers to small diameter fibers which are formedby extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a pluralityof fine capillaries of a spinnerette having a circular or otherconfiguration, with the diameter of the extruded filaments then beingrapidly reduced as by, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,563 to Appelet al., and U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al., U.S. Pat. No.3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 toKinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,763 to Hartmann, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,538 toPeterson, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,615 to Dobo et al., each of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Spunbond fibers aregenerally continuous and often have average deniers larger than about0.3, more particularly, between about 0.6 and about 10.

[0037] (n) “Superabsorbent” refers to a water-swellable, water-insolubleorganic or inorganic material capable, under the most favorableconditions, of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight and, moredesirably, at least about 30 times its weight in an aqueous solutioncontaining 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. The superabsorbentmaterials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers andmaterials. In addition, the superabsorbent materials can be inorganicmaterials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds such ascross-linked polymers.

[0038] (o) “Surface” includes any layer, film, woven, nonwoven,laminate, composite, or the like, whether pervious or impervious to air,gas, and/or liquids.

[0039] (p) “Surge Layer” refers to a layer typically comprised ofnonwoven materials that can absorb a large stream or gush of liquid andrelease it slowly into another layer or layers.

[0040] (q) “Thermoplastic” describes a material that softens whenexposed to heat and which substantially returns to a nonsoftenedcondition when cooled to room temperature.

[0041] (r) “Three dimensional” refers to a garment similar to underwear,shorts or pants in that it has continuous leg and waist openings thatare bounded by material of which the garment is made. The garment may ormay not have manually tearable seams.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] In accordance with the present invention, it has been discoveredthat an effervescent agent can be strategically positioned in a child'stoilet training pant or other undergarment such that upon urination theeffervescent agent releases gas to alert the wearer that urination hasoccurred. The wearer may be alerted of the urination either throughfeeling the release of the gas on the skin, or by feeling a mildconcussive (i.e., “popping,” “crackling,” “bubbling” or “fizzing”)sensation on the skin, or a combination thereof. The toilet trainingarticle in accordance with the present invention can be used inconjunction with an disposable or non-disposable absorbent undergarmentto alert the wearer that urination has occurred while reducing potentialadverse effects of prolonged contact between the skin and voided urine.Although discussed primarily in the context of toilet training ofchildren, it should be understood that the present invention and itsfunction are also applicable as an adult personal care product such asin absorbent incontinence undergarments and the like.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a pliable toilet training pad30 in accordance with the present invention. The toilet training padcomprises a pliable substrate having a body side 32 and an outer side34. The body side faces the skin of the wearer during wear, generally inthe crotch and/or buttocks region, while the outer side faces away fromthe skin of the wearer. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the toilet trainingpad is of layered construction and comprises a liner layer 36 and anabsorbent core layer 38. Although illustrated in FIG. 1 with layeredconstruction having two distinct, separate layers, and discussed hereinprimarily as having a liner and an absorbent core layer, it should berecognized that the toilet training pad of the present invention couldbe comprised of a single layer substrate comprised of, for example, aliner, or may be comprised of numerous different layers which may varyin absorbent capacity, thickness, material of construction, intendedpurpose, etc. Again referring to FIG. 1, outer side 34 may optionallycontain attachment means 40 for releasably attaching the toilet trainingpad to an undergarment, such as a disposable undergarment. Aneffervescent agent 42 is typically disposed on at least a part of theoutside face 34 of the toilet training pad such that upon urination, theeffervescent agent releases gas in close proximity to the skin of thewearer to alert the wearer that urination has occurred. Alternatively,or in addition, the effervescent agent may be located on at least partof the inside face or on or between one or more other layers of the padas described below.

[0044] The effervescent agent-containing toilet training pad of thepresent invention may be a single layer or may be of layeredconstruction and may be comprised of a plurality of fibers which may bewoven, nonwoven, or a combination thereof. The fibers may bebi-component, hollow, natural or synthetic, or a combination thereof,and may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic in nature, and may be, forexample, a short staple fiber or a longer more continuous fibergenerally found in meltblown and spunbond webs. Other suitable websinclude bonded carded webs, air laid webs, wet laid webs, solution spunwebs, porous films and generally any porous webs which have sufficientstrength to be used as a liner for personal care absorbent products.Polyolefins, polyesters, cellulosics, polyacetates, and polyacrylatethermoplastics are some examples of polymers from which the fibers canbe formed. One or more layers of the toilet training pad of the presentinvention may be liquid permeable and comprised of, for example, aliquid permeable film, tissue, fabric, or the like. One or more layersmay also be liquid impermeable and comprised of, for example, a web orsheet of plastic film such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, or similar material, or a nonwoven, fibrous web which has beensuitably constructed and arranged to be substantially liquidimpermeable. The toilet training pad of the present invention may alsocontain one or more superabsorbent and/or surge layers, or other layerswhich may be used alone or in combination with one or more layersdescribed above.

[0045] As used herein, an effervescent agent means a material orcompound that is capable of rapidly releasing gas upon contact withurine to cause a mild concussive or “popping” or “crackling” sensationon a wearer's skin or a mixture of compounds that, when contacted ormixed together and wetted with urine, produces a gaseous product and a“bubbling” or “fizzing” feeling on the wearer's skin. Thus, theeffervescent agent may be a solid material (e.g., a crystal matrix) inwhich a pressurized gas is trapped and that gas is released upon contactwith voided urine. Alternatively, the effervescent may be a mixture ofcompounds which when contacted or mixed together and wetted with urine,react and produce a non-toxic, gaseous reaction product withoutreleasing a substantial amount of heat. The effervescent agents used inaccordance with the present invention are substantially non-hazardouswhen contacted with human skin.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the effervescentagent may be a urine soluble solid material produced in such a mannersuch that a pressurized gas is trapped within cells located in the solidmaterial. When the solid material having pressurized gas containingcells is contacted with urine, it begins to dissolve and the pressurizedgas is released from the cells creating a noticeable sensation on thewearer's skin which may be felt as a rush of gas over the skin or as a“popping,” “crackling” “bubbling” or “fizzing” sensation due to therelease of the gas. This sensation, whether by a rush of gas or by a“popping,” “crackling,” “bubbling” or “fizzing” sensation alerts thewearer to the urination. In this embodiment, the effervescent agent maycomprise a sugar compound such as a mono-saccharide, di-saccharide, orpoly-saccharide which has been infused with a gas that is substantiallynon-reactive with human skin such as carbon dioxide, air, nitrogen,argon, helium, etc. Specific examples of saccharides that can be used inaccordance with the present invention to create an effervescent agentinclude glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, dextrin,cyclodextrin, and the like, alone or in combination. Also, a mixture ofsucrose with corn syrup (containing glucose, maltose, and dextrin) canbe used in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention toprovide a gas-containing effervescent agent. Other examples of compoundswhich are capable of being prepared in such as manner as to trappressurized gas in cells include, for example, water soluble compoundssuch as salts and alkali halides and alkaline earth metal halides.Specific salts useful in the present invention include, for example,sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, lithiumchloride, cesium chloride, and the like. Typically, the cells have adiameter from about 5 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

[0047] The non-reactive gas can be infused into the cells of theurine-soluble solid material to produce an effervescent agent useful inthe present invention by first heating the starting material such as asugar in a small amount of water until the material is dissolved. Afterdissolution of the material, the water is evaporated off leaving thematerial in a molten state. The molten material is then gasified byintroducing an inert gas, such as carbon dioxide, at a superatmosphericpressure into a closed vessel containing the molten material. The meltis agitated during gasification to ensure intimate contact between themolten material and the gas. Pressures of, for example, between about 50psig (340 kPa) and about 1000 psig (6890 kPa) may be utilized to infusethe gas into the material. After gas infusion, the molten material isallowed to solidify while maintained in the closed vessel to produce aneffervescent agent in accordance with the present invention. Thisprocedure of producing a gas containing solid material is fully setforth in U.S. Pat. No. No. 4,289,794, which is hereby incorporated byreference. The above procedure can produce effervescent agentscontaining cells of pressurized gas from about 50 psig (340 kPa) toabout 900 psig (6200 kPa) which, when exposed to urine, allow therelease of the trapped gas causing a mild concussive effect or a“popping” or “crackling” next to the skin to alert the wearer thaturination has occurred. Typically, from about 0.1 grams to about 15grams of gas-containing effervescent agent are incorporated into thetoilet training pad of the present invention to alert the wearer thaturination has occurred.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, an effervescentagent for use in or on a toilet training pad can be comprised of amixture of compounds, such as an acid and a base, that when wetted withurine, react and produce a gaseous product and the wearer is alerted tohaving urinated through a “bubbling” or “fizzing” sensation on the skin.The effervescent agent could be in the form of a mixture of acid powdersand base powders, liquid acids and liquid bases, or combinationsthereof. The solid acids and bases can be introduced neat or inmicroencapsulated form into or onto the toilet training pad. Typically,if a liquid acid or base is utilized, it will be in microencapsulatedform. One skilled in the art will recognize that the acids and basesutilized should be substantially non-reactive with each other untilwetted with urine.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the acid and base are separatelyencapsulated into microencapsulated shells. A combination ofencapsulated shells containing acid and encapsulated shells containingbase are then introduced into or onto the toilet training pad of thepresent invention. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art thatwith some acid/base combinations it may be possible to first mix theacid and base together and then introduce the mixture into anencapsulated shell which can be introduced into a pad in accordance withthe present invention. In a separate embodiment, the acid and base aredispersed neat into or onto the toilet training pad of the presentinvention. It will also be recognized by one skilled in the art that acombination of encapsulated and neat acids and bases could be utilized.Any combination of compounds, such as an acid and a base, that issubstantially non-reactive with each other until wetted with water orurine and that react to form at least one non-toxic gaseous product uponwetting may be utilized as an effervescent agent in accordance with thepresent invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that both acidstrength and base strength may impact the amounts of acid and/or baseutilized to form the effervescent agent. One skilled will also recognizethat acid/base reactions are typically exothermic in nature and as suchcare should be taken to select appropriate acids and bases inconsideration of the amount of heat produced by the reaction in closeproximity to the skin of the wearer. Typically, the resulting acid/basemixture in the presence of the urine should have a resulting pH of fromabout 4.5 to about 7.5 to avoid skin damage. One skilled in the art willrecognize that a buffering agent could be utilized in combination withthe acid/base combination to help control the resulting pH of theacid/base mixture in the urine. One skilled in the art will alsorecognize that appropriate stoichiometric amounts of acids and baseswould need to be utilized to obtain a mixture that when wetted withurine will produce a pH in the above range. One example of a suitableacid/base combination is shown in equation (1)

NaHCO₃+KHC₄H₄O₆→KNaC₄H₄O₆+H₂O+CO₂  (1)

[0050] In equation (1), sodium bicarbonate and potassium bitartratereact in the presence of a liquid (urine) to form carbon dioxide gas andby-products. The production of the carbon dioxide gas alerts the wearerof the pad containing the acid and base that urination has occurred.

[0051] Another example of a suitable acid/base combination is shown inequation (2):

NaAl(S0 ₄)₂+3NaHCO₃→Al(OH)₃+2Na₂SO₄+3CO₂  (2)

[0052] In equation (2), sodium aluminum sulfate and sodium bicarbonatereact in the presence of liquid (urine) to form carbon dioxide gas andby-products. Other acids that can be used in combination with sodiumbicarbonate to produce an effervescent agent in accordance with thepresent invention include ascorbic, lactic, glycolic, malic, tartaric,and fumaric. When mixed with sodium bicarbonate and contacted withurine, these acids produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas production canalert the wearer that urination has occurred.

[0053] The effervescent agents utilized in the present invention may beintroduced directly into or onto a face of the toilet training pad asdiscussed below, or alternatively, first encapsulated into a shellmaterial which releases the effervescent agent when wetted with urine.The microencapsulated shell is constructed of a material such that itwill release the effervescent agent upon contact with urine and allow itto produce gas to alert the wearer that urination has occurred. Theurine may cause the shell material to solubilize, disperse, swell,disintegrate, or may be urine permeable such that it disintegrates ordischarges the effervescent agent upon contact with urine. Suitableshell materials include cellulose-based polymeric materials (e.g., ethylcellulose), carbohydrate-based materials (e.g., starches and sugars) andmaterials derived therefrom (e.g., dextrins and cyclodextrins) as wellas other materials compatible with human tissues. The microencapsulationshell thickness may vary depending upon the effervescent agent utilized,and is generally manufactured to allow the encapsulated effervescentagent to be covered by a thin layer of encapsulation material, which maybe a monolayer or thicker laminate, or may be a composite layer. Themicroencapsulation layer should be thick enough to resist cracking orbreaking of the shell during handling or shipping of the product orduring wear which would result in breakage of the encapsulationmaterial. The microencapsulation layer should also be constructed suchthat humidity from atmospheric conditions during storage, shipment, orwear will not cause a breakdown of the microencapsulation layer.

[0054] Effervescent agents, whether in neat or microencapsulated form,that are applied directly into or onto the toilet training pad can belocated or be of a size such that the wearer is not cannot feel theencapsulated shell or solid against the skin prior to urination. Solideffervescent agents utilized neat may be introduced directly into thefabric of the liner, absorbent core, superabsorbent layer, or anotherlayer and hence not have direct skin contact prior to urination. Neateffervescent agents and microencapsulated shells typically have a sizefrom about 5 micrometers to about 40 micrometers, preferably from about20 micrometers to about 35 micrometers.

[0055] The effervescent agents of the present invention, either in neatform, in microencapsulated form or a combination of both neat andmicroencapsulated form, are typically introduced into the toilettraining pad of the present invention within or beneath the liner. Theeffervescent agent may be introduced beneath the liner and remain loosebetween the liner and a subsequent layer such as an absorbent core,surge layer, or other layer comprising the toilet training pad.Alternatively, if the toilet training pad of the present inventioncomprises solely a liner or a single layer, the effervescent agent istypically introduced into the material itself or onto the outer side ofthe liner which faces away from the wearer. In a particular embodiment,the effervescent agent may be introduced into or onto other layers of atoilet training pad such as a surge layer, a transfer layer, a tissuelayer, a superabsorbent layer or another layer as the toilet trainingpad may be comprised of numerous layers.

[0056] In a particular embodiment, the effervescent agent of the presentinvention can be placed onto or into the toilet training pad and the padpositioned such that the effervescent agent is present in the crotchregion of the wearer. Because the crotch region is the area of the bodywhere the fluid is produced, the wearer will be alerted rapidly uponurination as the urine will rapidly induce the effervescent agent torelease/produce a gas. Further, the crotch region contains a largenumber of nerve endings which can be stimulated by the release of gas bythe effervescent agent upon urination. In another embodiment, theeffervescent agent and toilet training pad can be located in thebuttocks area. In another embodiment, the effervescent agent and pad maybe located in both the crotch area and the buttocks area for maximumsensation.

[0057] Although the specific effervescent agent utilized may effect theoverall sensation felt by the wearer upon urination, the amount ofsensation from the gas released by the effervescent agent is typically adirect result of the amount of effervescent agent utilized. A sufficientamount of effervescent agent should be utilized such that the wearer canfeel a concussive affect or a “bubbling,” “popping,” or “crackling”feeling due to the release of gas in the crotch, buttocks, or crotch andbuttocks regions of the body.

[0058] Typically, the effervescent agents of the present invention arenot simply introduced into or onto the toilet training pad of thepresent invention without a stabilizing mechanism to ensure theeffervescent agents stay in the desired area. The effervescent agents ofthe present invention may be introduced into or onto the liner,absorbent core, or another layer of the toilet training pad of thepresent invention utilizing various methods including, for example,spray coating, slot coating and printing, or a combination thereof. Withspray coating, the effervescent agents are first thoroughly mixed with aurine-soluble adhesive agent to disperse the effervescent agentsthroughout the adhesive material. It will be recognized that if aneffervescent agent is comprised of separate compounds such as an acidand a base or a mixture of acids and a mixture of bases and theeffervescent agent is to be utilized in neat form, care should be takento ensure the adhesive is nonreactive with the acid and/or base ormixtures. Further, when and acid/base mixture is utilized as theeffervescent agent, typically the acid is separately mixed with anadhesive and the base is separately mixed with an adhesive and therespective mixtures are applied in separate layers on the substrate.

[0059] The adhesive material can comprise a urine-soluble adhesive whichwill partially or completely dissolve upon urination by the wearer andallow the urine to contact the effervescent agent. Suitableurine-soluble adhesives include, for example, polyvinyl pyrrolidone andpolyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. After the urine-solubleadhesive and effervescent agent are thoroughly mixed, they can beapplied onto the desired area of the toilet training pad of the presentinvention by spray coating, knifing, or roller coating, for example, andallowed to dry. The urine-soluble adhesive-effervescent agent mixtureadheres to the liner, absorbent core, or another layer where it isretained until wetted with urine. Upon urination, the adhesive releasesthe effervescent agent such that may release or produce gas and alert orsignal the wearer. Typically, the effervescent/adhesive mixturecomprises from about 5% to about 50% effervescent agent by weight,preferably from about 10% to about 40% effervescent by weight. It willbe recognized by one skilled in the art that the mixture ratio of theeffervescent and adhesive may vary depending upon the materialconstruction upon which the mixture is sprayed. In a particularembodiment, a first layer comprising an effervescent agent and anadhesive are sprayed onto the substrate. After the first layer hasdried, a second layer comprising as adhesive agent is sprayed on top ofthe first layer. This combination of two layers may help ensure that theeffervescent agent does not produce gas prior to urination.

[0060] Similar to spray coating, effervescent agents may be introducedinto or onto the toilet training pad of the present invention throughslot coating. In slot coating, an adhesive-effervescent mixture asdiscussed above is introduced directly onto the desired area of the padin “slots” or discrete row patterns. Upon urination by the wearer, theadhesive allows a release of the effervescent agent such that it mayproduce a gas. Slot coating may be advantageous in certain applicationswhere it is not desirable to coat the entire surface with an adhesive.In some circumstances, an adhesive coating over an entire surface mayretard quick absorption of the urine into the absorbent core. When slotcoating is utilized, channels are created where no adhesive is presentand urine may drain quickly. Slot coating may also be advantageous incertain applications where precise control of the location of theeffervescent agent is desired. Typically, the rows ofeffervescent/adhesive are spaced on the order of from about 0.1 inchesto about 3 inches apart from each other, preferably from about 0.2inches to about 2 inches apart from each other, and most preferablyabout 0.25 inches apart from each other. Generally, the rows are evenlyspaced across the surface upon which they are applied, but may be spacedin specific patterns with varying spacing if desired. In a particularembodiment utilizing an effervescent agent comprised of an acid/basemixture, slot coating can be utilized to create alternating rows ofacid/adhesive—base/adhesive to ensure that the acid and base do notreact together prior to urination. As described above in regard to spraycoating, a second layer of adhesive may be introduced on top of a firstslot-coated layer comprising both an effervescent agent and an adhesiveto further ensure that the effervescent agent does not release gas priorto urination.

[0061] The effervescent agents of the present invention can also beintroduced onto or into a gas-permeable liner, absorbent core, oranother layer of the training pad of the present invention through theuse of a vacuum driving force. The effervescent agent is positioned onthe liner, absorbent core, or another layer while a vacuum driving forceis applied to the opposite side of the liner, core, or layer to drivethe effervescent agent into the fabric matrix of the liner, core, orother layer. Varying degrees of vacuum can be applied depending upon thedepth the effervescent agent is to be positioned within the substrate.In this embodiment, no urine-soluble adhesive is necessary. Once in thefabric matrix of the pad, the effervescent agent is retained untilurination occurs at which time the urine contacts the effervescentagent. This embodiment is particularly useful for solid or powderedeffervescent agents which are applied neat. Alternatively, electrostaticforces or other means may be utilized to stabilize the effervescentagent on the surface of the liner or core.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the acidand/or base compounds which may be combined to produce an effervescentagent may be incorporated into a hydrophilic microsponge material whichis subsequently used in combination with the pad of the presentinvention. The microsponge performs the same function as themicroencapsulation shell described above. The hydrophilic microspongecontaining the effervescent agent is introduced onto or into the toilettraining pad of the present invention as discussed above. Suitablematerials comprising the hydrophilic microsponge include, for example,acrylate polymers and acrylate copolymers of a hydrophilic nature.

[0063] To incorporate either a solid or a liquid acid and/or base intothe hydrophilic microsponge material, the acid or base can be introducedinto an suitable volatile, such as an alcohol or water and dissolved.The solution containing the dissolved acid and/or base is contacted withand absorbed into the microsponge material. After absorption, thesolvent is driven off by evaporation or other means known in the art,leaving a dry hydrophilic microsponge material containing the acidand/or base. Because of the structure of the sponge, the effervescentagent is suitably stable as it would need to travel a tortuous path toexit the sponge. The acid and/or base is located in the interstitialspaces in the sponge and, upon flooding of the sponge upon urination, isdriven out of the interstitial spaces by the urine and react to producea gaseous product. The acid and/or base-containing hydrophilicmicrosponges of the present invention may be introduced onto or into thetoilet training pad of the present invention similar to the encapsulatedeffervescent agents discussed above.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a toilet training article2 for purposes of illustration of a toilet training pad 4 of the presentinvention which is attached to the inside of a three-dimensional,disposable, toilet training pant 6. At least a portion of the toilettraining pad 4 contains an effervescent agent in accordance with thepresent invention to alert the wearer when urination has occurred byallowing the effervescent agent to release gas upon urination.

[0065] Although the toilet training pad in FIG. 2 is illustrated as partof toilet training pants, the training pad may also be used inconjunction with other garments, such as underwear, diapers, diaperpants, washable or reusable absorbent garments such as cloth trainingpants, cloth diapers, plastic training pants, or the like. Theeffervescent containing toilet training pad may either be part of thegarment as a whole (i.e., integrated into the garment when manufactured)or may be in the form of an insert which may be permanently orreleasably attached to any of the aforementioned garments by themanufacturer or the consumer. If the toilet training pad containing theeffervescent agent is manufactured in the form of an insertable pad, itpreferably has attachable means thereon to allow the consumer to easilyattach the pad to an undergarment. Suitable attachable means mayinclude, for example, adhesive strips, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds,hook and loop type fasteners. This allows the consumer the choice of thetype of garment to use with the toilet training pad of the presentinvention. Also, the consumer can control when the toilet training padis used.

[0066] Referring again to FIG. 2, the training pant 6 is athree-dimensional garment and defines a waist opening 8 and two legopenings 10 and 12. A crotch region 14 is generally located between theleg openings 10 and 12 and comprises that portion of the training pantwhich, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer andcovers the lower torso of the wearer. The crotch region is typicallywhere the toilet training pad containing the effervescent agent islocated. A front waist region 16 of the training pants 6 generallyextends from the crotch region 14 to a front end 60 of the pants, and aback waist region 20 extends from the crotch region 14 to a back end 22of the pants. The training pant 6 also includes an inner surface 24 andan opposite outer surface 26. By way of illustration only, variousmaterials and methods for constructing training pants are disclosed inPCT Patent Application WO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000 by A.Fletcher et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to VanGompel et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,389 issued Jun. 16, 1998 toBrandon et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. When thetraining pant is worn, the toilet training pad is positioned near oragainst the skin of the wearer and located so that urine contacts thetoilet training pad during urination. The toilet training pad or toilettraining pad area, which may encompass both the crotch region and thebuttocks region, contains the effervescent agent in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0067] In view of the above, it will be seen that the severalembodiments of the invention are achieved. As various changes could bemade in the above-described toilet training pad without departing fromthe scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toilet training article comprising: athree-dimensional toilet training undergarment having an inner surface;a pad comprising a pliable substrate and an effervescent agentencapsulated in a shell material, the shell material being capable ofreleasing the effervescent agent when wetted with urine, theeffervescent agent comprising a matrix structure comprising a sugarcompound and having cells distributed therein which contain a gas underpressure, the effervescent agent being disposed on the substrate in sucha manner such that when the pad is wetted with urine, the gas isreleased from the effervescent agent to alert the wearer of urination,the substrate having a body side face and an outside face; an attachmentmeans for releasably attaching the pad to the inner surface of thetoilet training undergarment disposed on the outside face of thesubstrate such that the body side face of the substrate faces the skinof a wearer wearing the undergarment.
 2. The toilet training article asset forth in claim 1 wherein the sugar compound is selected from thegroup consisting of mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, andpolysaccharides.
 3. The toilet training article as set forth in claim 1wherein the sugar compound is selected from the group consisting ofglucose, fructose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, dextrins, andcyclodextrins.
 4. The toilet training article as set forth in claim 1wherein the gas under pressure is selected from the group consisting ofcarbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, air, and helium.
 5. The toilet trainingarticle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the average diameter of thecells is from about 5 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.
 6. Thetoilet training article as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pressure ofthe gas in the cells is from about 50 psig to about 900 psig.
 7. Thetoilet training article as set forth in claim 1 wherein from about 0.1grams to about 15 grams of effervescent agent is disposed on thesubstrate.
 8. The toilet training article as set forth in claim 1wherein the shell material comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting of ethyl cellulose, starches, sugars, dextrins, andcyclodextrins.
 9. The toilet training article as set forth in claim 1wherein the shell material is urine-dispersible.
 10. The toilet trainingarticle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shell material isurine-swellable.
 11. The toilet training article as set forth in claim 1wherein the shell material is urine-permeable.
 12. The toilet trainingarticle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shell material disintegrateswhen wetted with urine.
 13. The toilet training article as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the mixture is disposed on the outside face of thesubstrate.
 14. The toilet training article as set forth in claim 1wherein the substrate is of layered construction and comprises a linerand an absorbent core layer, the liner facing the skin of the wearerwhen the article is worn, and the mixture of the effervescent agent andadhesive being disposed beneath the liner.
 15. The toilet trainingarticle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the effervescent agent isdisposed on the absorbent core.
 16. The toilet training article as setforth in claim 1 wherein the substrate further comprises asuperabsorbent layer and the effervescent agent is disposed within thesuperabsorbent layer.
 17. A toilet training article comprising: athree-dimensional toilet training undergarment having an inner surface;a pad comprising a pliable substrate and an effervescent agentencapsulated in a shell material, the shell material being capable ofreleasing the effervescent agent when wetted with urine, theeffervescent agent comprising a matrix structure comprising a saltcompound and having cells distributed therein which contain a gas underpressure, the effervescent agent being disposed on the substrate in sucha manner such that when the pad is wetted with urine, the gas isreleased from the effervescent agent to alert the wearer of urination,the substrate having a body side face and an outside face; an attachmentmeans for releasably attaching the pad to the inner surface of thetoilet training undergarment disposed on the outside face of thesubstrate such that the body side face of the substrate faces the skinof a wearer wearing the undergarment.
 18. The toilet training article asset forth in claim 17 wherein the salt compound is selected from thegroup consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassiumbromide, lithium chloride, and cesium chloride.
 19. The toilet trainingarticle as set forth in claim 17 wherein the gas under pressure isselected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon,air, and helium.
 20. The toilet training article as set forth in claim17 wherein from about 0.1 grams to about 15 grams of effervescent agentis disposed on the substrate.
 21. The toilet training article as setforth in claim 17 wherein the shell material comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, starches, sugars,dextrins, and cyclodextrins.
 22. The toilet training article as setforth in claim 17 wherein the shell material is urine-dispersible. 23.The toilet training article as set forth in claim 17 wherein the shellmaterial is urine-swellable.
 24. The toilet training article as setforth in claim 17 wherein the shell material is urine-permeable.
 25. Thetoilet training article as set forth in claim 17 wherein the shellmaterial disintegrates when wetted with urine.
 26. The toilet trainingarticle as set forth in claim 17 wherein the effervescent agent isdisposed on the outside face of the substrate.
 27. The toilet trainingarticle as set forth in claim 17 wherein the substrate is of layeredconstruction and comprises a liner and an absorbent core layer, theliner facing the skin of the wearer when the article is worn, and themixture of the effervescent agent and adhesive being disposed beneaththe liner.
 28. The toilet training article as set forth in claim 17wherein the mixture of the effervescent agent and adhesive is sprayedonto an outside face of the liner.
 29. The toilet training article asset forth in claim 17 wherein the mixture of the effervescent agent andadhesive is sprayed onto the absorbent core layer.
 30. The toilettraining article as set forth in claim 17 wherein the substrate furthercomprises a superabsorbent layer and the effervescent agent is disposedwithin the superabsorbent layer.
 31. A toilet training articlecomprising: a three-dimensional toilet training undergarment having aninner surface; a pad comprising a pliable substrate and an effervescentagent disposed on the substrate, the effervescent agent comprising amixture of an acid compound and a base compound that, upon beingcontacted with urine, react and produce a gas, the substrate having abody side face and an outside face; an attachment means for releasablyattaching the pad to the inner surface of the toilet trainingundergarment disposed on the outside face of the substrate such that thebody side face of the substrate faces the skin of a wearer wearing theundergarment.
 32. A method for making a wearer aware of having voidedurine, the method comprising placing an article next to the skin of thewearer, the article in the form of a pad comprising a pliable substrateand an effervescent agent which is disposed in contact with thesubstrate, the substrate having a body side face and an outside face,the body side face facing the skin of the wearer when the article isworn, the effervescent agent comprising a mixture of an acid compoundand a base compound that, upon being contacted with urine, react andproduce a gas.
 33. A method for making a wearer aware of having voidedurine, the method comprising placing an article next to the skin of thewearer, the article in the form of a pad comprising a pliable substrateand an effervescent agent encapsulated in a shell material, the shellmaterial being capable of releasing the effervescent agent when wettedwith urine, the substrate having a body side face and an outside face,the body side face facing the skin of the wearer when the article isworn, the effervescent agent comprising a matrix structure comprising asugar compound and having cells distributed therein which contain a gasunder pressure, the effervescent agent being disposed in contact withthe substrate in a manner such that when the pad is wetted with urinevoided by the wearer, the gas is released from the effervescent agent.34. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein the sugar compound isselected from the group consisting of mono-saccharides, di-saccharides,and polysaccharides.
 35. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein thesugar compound is selected from the group consisting of glucose,fructose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, dextrins, and cyclodextrins. 36.The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein the gas under pressure isselected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon,air, and helium.
 37. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein theaverage diameter of the cells is from about 5 micrometers to about 100micrometers.
 38. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein thepressure of the gas in the cells is from about 50 psig to about 900psig.
 39. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein from about 0.1grams to about 15 grams of effervescent agent is disposed on thesubstrate.
 40. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein the shellmaterial comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofethyl cellulose, starches, sugars, dextrins, and cyclodextrins.
 41. Themethod as set forth in claim 33 wherein the shell material isurine-dispersible.
 42. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein theshell material is urine-swellable.
 43. The method as set forth in claim33 wherein the shell material is urine-permeable.
 44. The method as setforth in claim 33 wherein the shell material disintegrates when wettedwith urine.
 45. The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein the mixtureis disposed on the outside face of the substrate.
 46. The method as setforth in claim 33 wherein the substrate is of layered construction andcomprises a liner and an absorbent core layer, the liner facing the skinof the wearer when the article is worn, and the mixture of theeffervescent agent and adhesive being disposed beneath the liner. 47.The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein the effervescent agent isdisposed on the absorbent core.
 48. The method as set forth in claim 33wherein the substrate further comprises a superabsorbent layer and theeffervescent agent is disposed within the superabsorbent layer.
 49. Amethod for making a wearer aware of having voided urine, the methodcomprising placing an article next to the skin of the wearer, thearticle in the form of a pad comprising a pliable substrate and aneffervescent agent encapsulated in a shell material, the shell materialbeing capable of releasing the effervescent agent when wetted withurine, the substrate having a body side face and an outside face, thebody side face facing the skin of the wearer when the article is worn,the effervescent agent comprising a matrix structure comprising a saltcompound and having cells distributed therein which contain a gas underpressure, the effervescent agent being disposed in contact with thesubstrate in a manner such that when the pad is wetted with urine voidedby the wearer, the gas is released from the effervescent agent.
 50. Themethod as set forth in claim 49 wherein the salt compound is selectedfrom the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride,potassium bromide, lithium chloride, and cesium chloride.
 51. The methodas set forth in claim 49 wherein the gas under pressure is selected fromthe group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, air, andhelium.
 52. The method as set forth in claim 49 wherein from about 0.1grams to about 15 grams of effervescent agent is disposed on thesubstrate.
 53. The method as set forth in claim 49 wherein the shellmaterial comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofethyl cellulose, starches, sugars, dextrins, and cyclodextrins.
 54. Themethod as set forth in claim 49 wherein the shell material isurine-dispersible.
 55. The method as set forth in claim 49 wherein theshell material is urine-swellable.
 56. The method as set forth in claim49 wherein the shell material is urine-permeable.
 57. The method as setforth in claim 49 wherein the shell material disintegrates when wettedwith urine.
 58. The method as set forth in claim 49 wherein theeffervescent agent is disposed on the outside face of the substrate. 59.The method as set forth in claim 49 wherein the substrate is of layeredconstruction and comprises a liner and an absorbent core layer, theliner facing the skin of the wearer when the article is worn, and themixture of the effervescent agent and adhesive being disposed beneaththe liner.
 60. The method as set forth in claim 49 wherein the mixtureof the effervescent agent and adhesive is sprayed onto an outside faceof the liner.
 61. The method as set forth in claim 49 wherein themixture of the effervescent agent and adhesive is sprayed onto theabsorbent core layer.
 62. The method as set forth in claim 49 whereinthe substrate further comprises a superabsorbent layer and theeffervescent agent is disposed within the superabsorbent layer.